best mix for pointing old 1790's soft red sandstone house?

[snadge]

My Dad wants to know if anyone can advise him on the best cement mix for pointing an old soft red sandstone house circa 1790's as he heard ordinary mortar attacks the stone?

thanks

 

[tony1851]

best cement mix for pointing an old soft red sandstone house

YOU WOULD NOT USE CEMENT ANYWHERE NEAR AN OLD HOUSE !

A soft. lime mortar every time; a cement mix would be too hard and would ruin the old sandstone blocks. The wall needs to breath to remove moisture and it does this through the joints If you use cement, it will be harder than the stone, thus trapping moisture in the stone, leading to decay.

If its that old, it may well be listed, and you would need to clear this with the conservation officer at the council

Pointing old buildings with cement mortar should be made a capital offence!

 

[snadge]

thanks Tony, I will let him know what you said

cheers

 

[peaps2]

sent you a link to a company that will be able to supply you with what you need. Contact them for advice also.

I should think you should be going down the lime putty road.

 

[snadge]

thanks again, i will pass this on